This story is a prequel/spinoff to one I have been writing, Once Upon a Cliché. It focuses on the two most unlikely of friends becoming inseparable, only to eventually distance themselves due to reality finally setting in. It saddens me to say, this has happened to me on numerous occasions. So, why not write a story about it?

This story starts off with a poem, the chapters will consist of a vignette for every year. The story is loosely based off of Disney's The Fox and the Hound (because in the actual story, Todd and Copper are never friends T_T talk about childhood being ruined) and other stories will also be referenced throughout the novel. It's a coming of age story so, you know it's going to contain a lot of teen problems; friendship/family drama, moral values, unrequited love, etc.

Anyway, enjoy!

Prologue: The Fox and the Hound

The fox and the hound

Naturally born foes

Hatred is bound

That's how the tale goes.

7

A kit and a pup

Two most unlikely friends

Promised to stay

Until the end.

8

They come across a treehouse

Making the place their own

Writing their stories

Seeking refuge from home.

9

Roles come into play

They create a gray floor

In a black and white world

Hiding, sneaking out the door.

10

Stay loyal to your kin

First shot is fired

Taking sides in the war

Hound, now rewired.

11

Kit pursues Pup

Despite warnings to stay away

The two friends conspire

To find new ways to play.

12

"Secret friends"

Hiding about

First love discovered

But, never to come out.

13

Second shot

Wounds the hound

Fox fights back

Now his round.

14

Opposites reconnect

Bond holds strong

Hound will wonder

Is love wrong?

15

Rifles reloaded

Targets in sight

A past lovers' tale

Will shine its light.

16

Wendy's thimble

Causing hatred to spread

Blinded rage and a curse

Will leave one for dead.

17

Now for the fox hunt

Prove your word

Guns fire

That will be the third.

18

Weary of fights

Tired of guilt

Where has it gone?

The trust they've built.

19

The love is no more

In its place lies regret

For the fox has found his vixen

And the hound will never forget.

2: Chapter 1: Todd's Story - Age 7

Okay, so this took a little bit longer than I would have liked but, here it is! I really had to get into a child's point of view to write this and it was kind of hard. I even had my nine year-old sister proofread this so she could tell me which words to replace or which sentences needed to be reworded. Some I couldn't but, oh well. It's not perfect, I know. At least you get to meet the characters and find out about Phoenix. He's such a doll!

So, the chapters are going to alternate perspectives. The odd years will be from Phoenix's point of view while the even years will be from Ralph's. Excerpts of the poem will be at the beginning and end of the chapters as well as a little flash forward scene at the beginning of each chapter. This story was inspired by Disney's The Fox and the Hound but, it will not be so close to the movie. Actually, the poem basically told you what was going to happen without telling you exactly. Please enjoy Chapter 1 and let me know what you think!

Chapter 1: Todd's Story - Age 7

This was the first time I ever brought a girl home. Lame, I know. As Rory looked through one of my childhood photo albums, I smiled. There are a few people I was very grateful to have been a part of my life and the blonde sitting on my bed was one of them.

She giggled as she turned each page, commenting how adorable she thought I was when I was younger. She looked up at me with her big blue eyes, "I didn't know you were a ginger when you were little."

I nodded. "Yeah, got it from my mom."

I was born with a darker hue of my mother's red hair which eventually just faded into a brown over time.

"Who's the boy next to you?" Rory asked as she pointed to one of the pictures.

I walked over to her and looked to where her finger was. Next to my miniature self was a blond kid who slightly shorter than me and his brown eyes were warm and innocent while mine were sharp and full of mischief. It was my childhood friend, Ralph Connan. That was probably the only picture we took together and that was because our second grade teacher took it during some field trip our class went to. He was another person I was grateful to have in my life once upon a time.

"He was my best friend, back in the day."

She furrowed her brow, "You say that like he's ancient history."

I shrugged and turned the page. "We both took our separate paths," I said with a sigh, "it was for the best."

"If it was for the best then, why do you look so bothered by it?"

I looked at Rory and gave her a sardonic smirk, "If I knew the answer to that then, maybe I wouldn't be."

~ 7 ~

The fox and the hound

Naturally born foes

Hatred is bound

That's how the tale goes

~ 7 ~

It didn't seem real. I watched as the people walked into the church, all dressed in black. Each walking up to the wooden beds, crying or praying or both. They didn't deserve to cry. They only came here to be nice. The only ones who deserved to feel sad were me and my family. We were the ones who would be missing them anyways. All these people will go back to their regular lives after this. I didn't even know half of these people.

I was sitting next to Grandma Libby, she was bawling her eyes out. Grandpa Randy was beside her with his arm around her, trying to comfort her while attempting to stay strong.

Uncle Jaime was talking to one of Mom's friends. He had cried before so that he wouldn't break down now.

Grandma D was the one who was accepting condolences out of all of us. They would go to her and offer up fake smiles or hopeful words.

She could handle it though. She told me that she couldn't cry, she ran out of tears when she was a little girl. I didn't know tears could run out. Maybe that's why I wasn't crying. Maybe my tears ran out. . . . Is that a good thing?

I just wanted the showcase to be over and done with. I hated that people were looking at me with such sorry eyes, like I would crumble to a thousand pieces.

I stood up and began to walk towards the back of the church, around the pews. Even then, I could feel their eyes on me. I could hear them whispering pity words and dumb gossip.

"That's the boy. Poor child lost both of his parents in the accident."

"Yeah and so young. He's only seven years old."

"Have they decided who's going to look after him?"

"I heard Victoria Devoss adopted him."

"That old witch? Poor boy. What about the Radcliffes? Surely, Randall and Elizabeth or even James could have taken him in."

"The Devoss family is insanely rich. She probably paid a lot of money to have him. Lord knows that boy will need all the help he can get."

"What will he do with himself now that he's all alone?"

"Phoenix!"

I stopped and turned around. Uncle Jaime was jogging towards me. "Where are you headed, Scamp?"

"I want to leave." I told him.

"It's only a few more minutes, then we can all get the heck out of here. Why don't we wait for a little bit longer, okay?"

He grabbed for my hand but, I pulled it away before he could. "No," I said more firmly, "I want to leave now."

Uncle Jaime's eyes grew sad, "Phoeni—"

"I hate being here with people who don't care about Mom and Dad! I want to leave, now!"

"If that's how you feel." Grandma D was suddenly standing next to Uncle Jaime. "Don't fret James, I'll take care of Phoenix."

"With all due respect, Madame Devoss, I don't think tha—"

"No, you didn't think. Now, why don't you go to your parents? Your mother needs you."

Uncle Jaime glared at Grandma D as she placed her hand on my back and led me out of the church. There, waiting for us, was a black town car.

The chauffeur appeared before us, holding a large black umbrella over our heads to shield us from the rain. Even the skies were crying.

Before we walked down the church steps, a voice called out, "Madame Devoss!" A woman came rushing towards us. She was soaked to the bone. Her short blonde hair stuck to her face. Her eyes and nose were red, like she had been—or was currently—crying.

Grandma D didn't spare the woman a glance. Her voice was as cold as ice, "Mrs. Connan? Who let you out of the doghouse?"

Mrs. Connan glared at Grandma D with her blue eyes. She inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to catch her breath after running all the way here. "I came to say my goodbyes to Sophia."

"You're not welcome here."

She walked up the church steps, "What you say is irrelevant, I'm afraid. The Radcliffes invited me to come."

Mrs. Connan was daring her to say something to try and stop her. I watched Grandma D carefully, it was clear that she didn't like this woman. I looked back to Mrs. Connan. If Grandma D didn't want her here, then I didn't either.

"That's too bad," I said while glaring at the woman, "because we just uninvited you."

She looked at me with shock, like she didn't even realize I was standing next to Grandma D. "Oh, God." Mrs. Connan said in a breathy gasp. She looked like she couldn't believe her eyes, "He looks just like Roman.

"Doesn't he?" I could hear the swell of pride in Grandama D's voice as she spoke while looking down at me. "They would be identical if it weren't for the red hair."

The disbelief disappeared from Mrs. Connan's face, "Good, at least I know he has Sophia in him somewhere."

Grandma D pursed her lips and glared at the blonde woman, "You dare insult my son when his body rests in a casket only several meters away? Right in front of his son? You monstrous creature!"

Guilt flashed across Mrs. Connan's eyes. "I didn't mean it li—"

"Of course you didn't," Grandma D spat out sarcastically. "You disgust me! Get out of my sight!"

The chauffeur then walked us to the town car, opening the door for Grandma D as she entered the vehicle. I was about to do the same, until something by my foot caught my eye. There on the pavement, soaked in a muddy puddle, was a pamphlet.

It wasn't any ordinary pamphlet either. On the front was a picture of a man and a woman happily hugging each other. The man had brown hair and eyes with dimples in his cheeks from laughing. He wasn't looking at the camera, more at the woman in his arms. She was laughing too. Her green eyes were crinkled with joy and her cheeks rosy from laughing so much. Her flaming red hair was left in its natural, wild, curly state.

I remember when that picture was taken. It was during last Christmas at our old house. Grandma Libby chose the picture, saying that it was real and it showed how happy they were together. Above the picture were the words:

In Loving Memory of Roman and Sophia Devoss.

"Jennifer, you made it!" I looked back to see Uncle Jaime pulling in Mrs. Connan for a hug. "Thank you so much. You don't know how much it means for us—you being here."

She pulled away from him with a sad smile. "Sophia was my closest friend. I loved her like you wouldn't imagine. I just had to come. However, I believe that I can say my goodbyes from here. I had a run-in with Victoria Devoss. I'm not so sure I'm wanted inside."

"Nonsense!" Uncle Jaime put a hand on her back, guiding her inside the church. "It's what Sophia would have wanted."

"Phoenix?" Grandma D called, "What are you doing, boy? Get in the car before you catch a cold."

My eyes tore away from them. Grandma D's sharp brown eyes were looking right at me. I quickly obeyed her and crawled into the town car, the chauffeur closing the door behind me.

The car was silent. Instead of looking out the window, I kept my eyes glued to my shoes. Things are going to be really different now and I don't know if I'm ready. I don't want to be all alone.

I felt the hot sting of tears well up in my eyes. I bit my lip in attempt to stop them from falling. I failed, tears started gliding down my cheeks within a few seconds. I hiccuped, I guess I still have some tears after all.

Why did they have to leave me all by myself? Don't they love me? Why couldn't they take me with them?

An arm wrapped around me in a comforting way. I leaned into Grandma D and a strangled sound came out from my mouth as I continued to cry. "It's not fair!"

"Life never is."

"I want them back." I sniffled. The tears fell freely, without me trying to wish them away.

"Don't we all?" Grandma D sighed wistfully.

"It has to be a lie," I murmured as I buried my head into her shoulder, "it just has to."

I felt like I was in a nightmare I could never wake up from. Is that why people dream in the first place because dreams were always better than real life? If so, Mom and Dad are lucky. They get to sleep forever, dreaming happily.

~ 7 ~

"I don't want to go to school."

Grandma D just continued to dab on lipstick. "Have you no manners, Phoenix? Knock before you enter. Don't just barge in unannounced."

I crossed my arms, "I still don't want to go."

Sonya, a lady that worked for Grandma D, had made me put on the uniform. That school had a uniform! I got to wear whatever I wanted at my old school. Grandma D decided that it would be better to change schools since my old school was farther away from where she lived and she put me in this private school that was named after some old, dead, rich guy.

So now, I was wearing what my dad would wear when he had to dress up. Why couldn't I just wear my Spider Man shirt instead? That one was my favorite.

When she was done freshening herself up, she stood and walked over to me. She gave me a tight-lipped smiled and a pat on the head. "You're going to school and that's final. Give it a chance. You'll make some new friends in no time at all."

And so, that's how I ended up standing in front of twenty or so kids, having the teacher introduce me.

"Class, today we have a new student. Let's all give a big welcome to Phoenix Devoss. Phoenix," the teacher—whose name I've already forgotten—flashed me an try-hard smile, "tell the class a little bit about yourself."

If everyone wasn't looking at me then, they sure were now. I shifted uncomfortably. What was I supposed to say? I can just say anything, right?

I looked into the teacher's awaiting eyes, "I hate your school uniforms."

That wiped the smile clean off of her face. I could hear the class break out into giggles.

"Quiet, everyone." She looked at me with an irritated look in her eyes but, a smile was pasted on her face nonetheless. "It's nice to know you have an opinion, Mr. Devoss. Now, why don't you tell the class something a little mo—"

"I go by Phoenix. My father's Mr. Devoss."

She let out a forced laugh, "Well then, Phoenix, it's probably best if you go sit down before I call Mr. Devoss."

"You can't." I told her truthfully, "He's dead."

The teacher pursed her lips and whispered in a harsh tone, "That's not funny, Phoenix!"

"No, it's not." I agreed.

"I think it's time for you to have a seat. You wouldn't want to be sent to the principle's office on your first day now, would you?"

I shook my head.

She smiled at my answer. "Good, why don't you go have a seat at the desk besides Sawyer's? Sawyer, can you please stand up so Phoenix can know who you are."

A girl with light brown hair and hazel eyes stood up from her seat. I walked over the the empty desk next to hers. Sawyer—now sitting—leaned over and whispered, "Hi."

I glanced at her from the corner of my eye and waved my hand in the slightest way possible. I didn't want to get in trouble.

Class was pretty boring. The only thing that got me through all the learning was that lunch was at twelve. And after lunch was recess. Yes! That's my favorite time of the day.

Sonya made me some kind of sandwich for lunch, also packing a Yoohoo and a homemade blueberry muffin. Yum. I sat at the closest table, not even caring about sitting by myself.

I unwrapped my sandwich and brought it towards my mouth. Before I could take a bite out of it, I saw something approach me from the corner of my eye. I unwillingly turned my attention away from my lunch and saw a blond-haired boy standing beside me.

I quirked an eyebrow, "Yeah?"

The boy refused to look me in the eye, he kept his gaze on the ground and his hands twisted the handle of his Avengers lunchbox. "Umm," his mumbled, "h-hi."

He was shy, it was like our rolls were switched.

I flashed him a grin, "There's no need to be so shy. I'm the new kid, remember?"

He just nodded, unsure of what to do next.

I gestured to the empty spot in front of me, "Take a seat. I won't bite, I promise."

The blond boy did just that. He sat down and began to take out his lunch.

"I'm Phoenix, by the way."

He looked up with a smile and replied softly, "I'm Ralph."

~ 7 ~

"You don't like raspberries?"

I shook my head, "I hate 'em."

Ralfie looked at me like I had three heads, "Why? They're so good."

I shrugged and continued to deal cards. It was raining outside today, so recess was inside.

"Next, you're going to tell me you hate strawberries too."

"I do."

"What?! You're lying! Who doesn't like strawberries?"

We've come a long way in the course of three months. Well, Ralfie has. He certainly talks a lot more and doesn't do that mumbling to the floor thing anymore.

"You're so weird."

"Thanks for the compliment, bud." I said absentmindedly as I finished dealing the cards.

"Ralph! Phoenix!" Sawyer came skipping towards us, clutching two yellow envelopes. Her pigtail braids flapping around everywhere.

Did I forget to mention that she was Ralfie's cousin? They looked nothing alike though. She had brown hair and hazel eyes while Ralfie had blond hair and brown eyes. She was more outgoing then he was and much more talkative—sometimes, to the point where it got annoying. Plus, she said her favorite superhero was Catwoman. Catwoman is a villain!

I rolled my eyes, girls.

"What?" I asked, "Run out of purple crayons?"

Sawyer glared at me and crossed her arms in the way all girls do when they're angry. "No, I came to tell you guys that my birthday is coming up."

I sighed and looked back at the cards, "Happy birthday."

"It's not today!"

I looked at Ralfie and rolled my eyes for him to see how annoyed I was with her. He laughed when he saw my face.

She ignored us and kept yapping away. I picked up my cards and motioned for Ralfie to do the same.

"Got any sevens?" I asked him. He sighed and unwillingly handed me one of his cards.

"Phoenix? Are you even listening to me?"

We both ignored Sawyer and continued to play Go Fish. Ralfie looked up at me and asked, "Do you have any twos?"

I grinned and shook my head, "Go Fish."

"Ralph! Phoenix! I'm serious!"

I looked up at Sawyer and impatiently asked, "What do you want? Can't you see that me and Ralfie are in the middle of a game?" I wanted to get back to playing Go Fish and I'm sure Ralfie did too.

"I'm inviting you guys to my party," she said with a 'duh' tone. She handed us the yellow colored envelopes. She gave Ralfie a 'you can't get out of this, you're family' look. "So you're coming, right Phoenix?"

I took the envelope and shrugged, "We'll see. I gotta ask Grandma D first."

"You better!" Sawyer said before turning and skipping back towards her friends.

I placed the invitation to the side and looked up at Ralfie. "Got any fives?"

~ 7 ~

"No."

I stood there shocked and confused, staring at Grandma D. "What?" I asked in a soft voice. I was super confused. She just said I could go, like, not even two seconds ago.

She gripped the invitation in her hands and crumbled it up. "Tell this Sawyer girl that you can't go."

"Why?" I watched as she threw it out with the envelope. She turned and gave me a make believe smile. "It was supposed to be a surprise but, James was going to take you out on an adventure that day. That's why you can't go."

"Really?" I couldn't stop the smile from forming on my face. I was going to go on an adventure with Uncle Jaime?! I love hanging out with him! He's the coolest uncle ever! I haven't seen him since Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma Libby and Grandpa Randy's house.

When she nodded, I jumped up in excitement, "YES!"

She laughed a little and I gave her a quick hug. "Thank you Grandma D! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

I ran out before she could say anything else. I was just so happy. I wonder where Uncle Jaime wants to take me. Maybe we'll go on a road trip! Like the one he told me he'd always take me on!

We'll drive to New York City in his truck and see the giant tree or go to Coney Island! Maybe after, we'll go to Hollywood and meet the actors who played all the famous superheroes! On the way, we'll stop by the White House so I can shake the President's hand! We can see Yogi at Yellowstone Park and the President Face Mountains! Maybe we'll even sneak into Area 51 and steal a UFO! It'll be the greatest adventure ever!

Maybe he told Grandma D where we would be going.

I turned around and ran back to where I left her. Just when I was about to ask, I saw that she was on the phone. She looked pretty upset. She was pacing in front of the fireplace like something was bothering her. I wonder who she's talking to.

"James, this is serious! I am not going to leave him in the hands of that family! Call in sick, cancel all your plans, I don't care what you have to do, just do it! I'll pay you! Just take Phoenix out for the day!"

I felt like my stomach just dropped. Is that even possible? My stomach should still be connected to the rest of my insides . . . right? Maybe I need to go to the doctor. Maybe I'm dying. Maybe Mom and Dad want me back.

I quietly turned around and walked slowly up to my room. When I got there, I just flopped down on my bed.

Grandma D lied to me. Uncle Jaime didn't want to take me out on an adventure. She was even going to pay him. Why? Didn't he like hanging out with me? Was that a lie too? Does he hate me? Does Grandma D? Is that why she lied to me? What about Grandpa Randy and Grandma Libby? Did they hate me too? Did Mom and Dad? Is that why they left me here all by myself?

I looked at the picture on my nightstand. Mom and Dad stood next to me when I was blowing out the candles on my birthday cake. I had just turned seven.

I felt something drip down my cheek. I sniffled and buried my head into the pillow. Why do I feel like everyone's leaving me?

~ 7 ~

Ralfie shook his head. His eyebrows were crooked in a way that told you he was thinking really hard. "I don't think that your family hates you. Maybe they're just scared."

"Ha!" I leaned back on the grass. Instead of playing during recess, I decided to tell Ralfie what happened yesterday—minus me crying, of course. I don't want to look like a crybaby.

He looked at me with his brown eyes full of worry, "No, think about it. Your parents died recently. Maybe your grandma is just scared that something could happen to you. And maybe your uncle has a mean boss who won't let him take a day off. Don't think the worst before you have the truth, Nix, guessing won't make anyone happy."

I looked up at him. He was really good at that, making me not so angry and confused. "You think so?" I asked, my voice sounding weaker than it should have.

He nodded with a big, toothy grin on his face. I couldn't help but, laugh at how silly he looked. He joined in shortly after.

Ralfie just laid down on the grass beside me and let out a happy sigh. We laid there like that for a while, neither one of us saying anything. Just listening to everything that was happening around us.

I turned my head to look at him, "Ralfie?"

He looked over and asked, "Yeah?"

I looked back up at the clouds and watched them drift by. "Thanks."

"What are friends for?"

That caused me to smile. Friends. . . . I don't really think there's ever been a person I could tell anything to, a real friend. I'm happy that Ralfie came into my life.

~ 7 ~

A kit and a pup

Two most unlikely friends

Promised to stay

Until the end

I literally began to tear up as I wrote the part where Phoenix is crying to his grandmother and I don't even know why. It probably out of nostalgia to when my grandma passed away last year. I still don't think I ever grieved properly, if that makes sense. I mean, when I went caroling in the nursing home with my school club last year, I almost broke down crying due to them smell and sight reminding me of her hospital room.

Anyway, enough about me, let me know how you thought it was! See you next chapter where the characters will be a year older and Ralph will tell us his tale!

3: Chapter 2: Copper's Story - Age 8

So, trying to stay on top of my updating schedule while balancing schoolwork has made me realize something. I have, like, NO time to write during the week. I mean, I'll try to get things done by Fridays but chances are, I'm going to be writing the whole night and updating on Saturday anyways.

I know two stories every other week doesn't seem like a lot. It isn't. I'm juggling four. I update my fan fictions on Sundays, usually writing them Saturday nights. I'm not taking a hiatus or anything, I'm just asking you guys to be patient. I will update . . . it may just happen to be late.

Anyway, enough of my ranting, enjoy Ralph's point of view in Age 8!

Chapter 2: Copper's Story - Age 8

"Uncle Ralph?"

I directed my attention away from Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises to look at my little nephew who was rocking on his heels, begging to have someone listen to what he had to say. In his hand was a rolled up piece of blue construction paper.

I felt my lips curve into a smile. I folded the corner of the page I was on and set the book aside. Giving Colby my full attention, I asked, "Whatcha got there, kiddo?"

"Blueprints." Colby unravelled the paper and thrusted his plans in my direction. I took the blueprints from him and he excitedly crawled onto my lap. He had scribbled a little house with a rather long chimney in white colored pencil.

I looked back to my nephew's wide, awaiting eyes. "I like it, " I told him, "but, isn't your house bigger than this one?"

"No, Uncle Ralph! That's not my house, that's what my treehouse is gonna look like!"

"Your treehouse." The words had a bittersweet taste in my mouth, causing a series of old memories to come flooding out of Pandora's box. "You and your dad are going to build one?"

Colby shook his head, suddenly deflated. "No," he said with downcast eyes, "but, I want one and it's going to look like this."

The assertiveness in his tone caused me to let out a little laugh. I leaned back and released a contented sigh, reminiscing the old times. I had a lot of fun in that old treehouse. It served not only as a safe haven but, also a getaway from reality. Sometimes you really need that. Why shouldn't Colby have one as well?

"Tell you what," I ruffled his hair, causing him to giggle. "How about we go out back and find a good, sturdy tree. Then, we can go to the store and buy some supplies."

His eyes perked up and he gave a killer, million-watt smile. "We're gonna build my treehouse?!" Colby jumped down from my lap, "Are you for real?"

I nodded, "Yep. Just you, me and that treehouse."

The process took days before the treehouse was finally ready and I'll never forgot the look on his face throughout the entire time we worked on that treehouse and he finally got to play in it. It'll stick with me until I turn gray.

It was a different feeling that was brewing up inside of me, one that I couldn't quite place. All I knew was that a weight was lifted off of my shoulders.

Sitting in the shade under the same tree that held the treehouse, I opened up my copy of The Sun Also Rises and began reading once again.

~ 8 ~

The fox and the hound

Naturally born foes

Hatred is bound

That's how the tale goes.

~ 8 ~

"Yo Ralph."

"Sup Ralph."

I looked up from the book I was reading to see my twin cousins, Channing and Floyd, walk into my room and flop onto my bed.

"Hi Channing. Hi Floyd." I greeted with a smile on my face as they ruffled my hair.

Channing and Floyd were two of the many cousins I have. Uncle Greg had them and Aunt Diana had Rodney, Chase and Sawyer.

The twins were both blond with blue eyes but, they weren't identical. Aunt Diana's kids all had brown hair. Rodney and Chase had brown eyes while Sawyer had hazel.

I had blond hair, like my mom. My brother used to be blond as well but, it faded to a light brown. He looks a lot like our dad. He's also the oldest out of all of us while I'm the youngest. Donnell, my brother, was twelve. He was like the leader of the pack. Rodney was eleven, the twins were both ten, Chase was nine and Sawyer and I were eight.

"Whatcha reading there, sport?" Channing asked as he took my book from my hands and began recklessly flipping through the pages. "I can't understand why you waste your time reading this. There's no pictures! It can't be much fun."

I looked down at my lap. Was it weird that I'd rather sit down and read a good book rather than play outside and get all dirty?

Floyd snatched the book out of his brother's hands and looked at the cover. "Harry Potter? Why not just skip all the boringness and watch the movie? It's a whole lot better."

"Boys!" Aunt Diana called from downstairs, "Hurry up! We have to head out soon!"

Head out? Where to? Before I could ask, the twins were already out the door. My book was thrown carelessly onto the floor of my bedroom.

I sighed and slid off my bed so I could pick it up. Luckily, I knew what chapter I was on so I could finish reading it when I got back from wherever we were going. I put the book back on my bookshelf and left to go downstairs.

"Ralph, sweetie, hurry on down!" Mom said when she saw me coming down the stairs. She ushered me to put a little pep in my step.

I looked around to see everyone rushing out the front door. Curious, I looked to Mom. "Where is everybody going?" I asked her. It was really strange but, good to see everyone so happy. I just want to know what they're all so happy about.

Mom's blue eyes looked down at me. Smiling, she zipped her lips up and threw away the key.

"Jennifer!" Grandma came through the door. When she saw Mom, she sighed in relief and walked right up to us with her heels clicking. "Jennifer, darling, have you seen my purse anywhere?"

"Have you checked with the boys? I bet one of them took it as a prank, you know how kids are."

Grandma's brown eyes found mine. She smiled, "Ralph, sweetheart, you see any of the boys with my purse?"

I shook my head. I honestly hadn't, I was in my room the whole time. If the twins or someone else snatched it, I didn't know.

She gave me that knowing look, like I did know and I was just covering for them. "Come on now Ralph, dearest, you know you don't have to lie to me."

"Honestly Grandma, I don't know who coulda done it."

Why didn't she believe me? It's not like I ever told a lie before, what's her reason for thinking I am now? I'm still me.

"Ralph." Grandma addressed me in the stern voice she used when scolding.

"Charlene." Mom addressed Grandma with the same tone. She guided me so I was a little bit behind her. "If he said he doesn't know then, he doesn't know. My son isn't a liar."

Grandma just gave her a tight smile. "Yeah, well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. . . . Does it, Jennifer?"

Mom nudged me towards the door, not saying a word all the while entering the car.

What did that mean? The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Did she mean that Mom is a liar? Or maybe Dad? Were both of my parents liars? Did Grandma mean something else when she said that?

Even though I really want to, I can't ask her now. We're driving with Don, Rodney and Dad. Don was talking to Rodney about some new video game that was coming out soon. Dad was driving quietly. Mom was leaning back on her seat, staring out the passenger side window.

Was what Grandma said true? Usually, Mom would be chatting up a storm. It wasn't like her to be so quiet. She should be telling us about her day, what happened at work, planning the next family outing. Instead, she didn't say anything. It was so weird but, Don and Rodney didn't seem to notice. Neither Dad, he just kept his eyes on the road.

We arrived there in no time. It was a fair, the fair. We come here every year, it was sort of a big deal to my family. I never knew why though. I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of the car. It felt better to just be out of there.

Dad and I waited for Mom, Don and Rodney to catch up to us before we started to walk towards the rest of the family. I saw the twins and Chase running towards us, Sawyer was having her braid redone by Aunt Diana.

I looked towards Mom who was whispering something to Dad with her arms crossed over her chest. She didn't look too happy.

"Hey!" Floyd caught my attention. He asked with a grin, "You ready for the fair?"

I nodded, even though I didn't really want to go to the fair anymore.

~ 8 ~

"I heard that Victoria's here." Grandma sneered as she fanned herself with her handmade fan that was imported from Spain.

It was really hot for a mid-September day.

Grandma continued on, "And here I thought she wouldn't dare show her face here ever again. She hasn't been to the Fall Festival ever since Roman and his woman kicked the bucket, rightfully so too."

Mom stood up, her blue eyes glaring at Grandma.

"Anything wrong, Jennifer, dear?" Grandma simply smiled up at Mom. The old women surrounding her giggled behind their fans. Aunt Diana chose to fuss over Chase's stained shirt.

Mom smiled in a really sweet way and said with a light voice, "Ralph needs to use the restroom, sweetheart. Does he need your consent?"

I stood up at that moment. I didn't have to go but, Mom looked like she didn't want to be here. She never really liked gossip.

Grandma's smile was gone, "Of course not, darling. He's not my pet, I don't own him."

"Good to know." Mom said as she took my hand and led me away.

But, I did hear Grandma whisper to the other ladies, "See. Like mother, like son."

~ 8 ~

"I mean it, Ralfie, you let everyone walk all over you. When are you gonna stand up for yourself?"

I looked up at Nix. His arms were crossed and he was frowning. I looked back down at the floor and shrugged. I didn't see anything wrong with it. Just because I wasn't as confident as other people didn't mean I was lesser than them. Did it?

"Tch." Nix grabbed my arm and pulled me up. He looked at me and shook his head, "Look at you. You look like the Grouch, filthy from living in a trashcan and all."

I had dirt smeared all over me. Mom won't be happy when she sees me.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

Nix shook his head and waved it off, "What for? Saying sorry for nothing is a waste of an apology, my friend. Plus, if one of us has to be the Grouch, it's me. You're too soft, Big Bird."

I couldn't help but, laugh at what he said. "Why are naming us after Sesame Street puppets? What are you, a baby?"

Nix slapped his hand on my back and grinned, "You're alright, Ralfie . . . for a big yellow bird."

And I did the same, "You too, Nix . . . for a trashcan puppet."

~ 8 ~

"I'm pretty sure we aren't allowed to be doing this," I said while looking around at all the super tall trees all around me. "My mom will be worried if I'm not home soon."

Nix just rolled his eyes and kept on walking. "Come on Ralfie, there's nothing to be scared of. Don't be such a baby."

"I'm not a baby!" I told him while stomping after him, rushing to catch up.

There was nothing in these woods that was going to scare me. Nix liked to think that I was a scaredy-cat just because I wasn't as bold or as chatty as he was. I am not scared. Not at all. We're just walking through the woods. Just some dumb ole' trees. Nothing to be scared of. That's baby stuff and I'm not a baby. I'm eight years-old, almost a teenager.

"We're not supposed to be out here by ourselves!" I tried to explain to him. No, I wasn't scared! My mom would get really worried if I didn't come home on time, that's all.

"Oh, stop your whining already. Complaining is for losers." Nix sighed, annoyed for sure. He stopped and turned to look at me. "Plus, who cares if we're not supposed to be out here. Rules are meant to be broken, that's why they're rules. Geez, Ralfie, you're not gonna let a couple of dumb rules stop you from going on an adventure, are ya?"

His brown eyes looked at me daringly. I was making up excuses and he knew it. I looked down at my dirty sneakers and shuffled one of my feet around the fallen leaves.

"Alright, then. Moving o—"

"B-But, won't we get lost?" My head snapped up to look at him. He had his back towards me, so I couldn't see his face. What if we walk so deep into the woods that we can't find our way back out? Then what would we do?

Nix just shrugged, "We won't get lost."

He began walking again and I followed him.

"Nix!" I put my hand on his shoulder and spun him around to look at me.

He glared at me, "Don't worry so much, Mom. We aren't going to get lost."

"And how do you know that?" I asked.

"Because," he pointed to the sun, "the sun sets in the west." Nix then pointed in the direction we were headed, "So, that means we're heading northwest. If we wanna come back the way we came, we just come back in the southeast direction. It's simple stuff, Ralfie. Just trust me on this. I know what I'm doing."

I just nodded and mumbled an "okay" before letting go of his shoulder so he could lead us to wherever we were going.

~ 8 ~

Don was the one who opened the door for me when I knocked. He was frowning at me, he grabbed my arm and yanked me inside before quietly closing the door.

He whispered angrily at me, "Where have you been?!"

"I was at the park with a friend." I said honestly but, choosing to keep the treehouse a secret.

"The park?!" Don closed his eyes and shook his head in disapproval, "You can't just go to places all by yourself. You're only eight! Go upstairs and wash up before Mom gets home."

I nodded and went to go do what he told me to do. Dad has been away a lot lately, going on many trips for work. Every time he goes away, Mom always comes home later than usual. She never tells us why though. Maybe she has a secret, like me.

I promised Nix I'd keep the treehouse a secret from everyone. It was only for the two of us to play in, no one else.

After I cleaned up and put on my pj's, I ran downstairs to find something to eat. When I reached the last couple of stairs, I saw lights flash through the opening between the curtains. Mom had just pulled up.

I rushed to the window and opened the curtains, I froze at what I saw.

It wasn't Mom's car in the driveway. Mom was very happy and talking to the mysterious stranger in the driver seat. She leaned her head into the open window.

She probably wanted to tell her friend a secret. Girls always did that sort of thing. Sawyer was just the same.

Mom's friend's car pulled out of the driveway and Mom walked to the front door with a smile on her face. Great! She's in a good mood!

I quickly moved towards the door and opened it before she had the chance to take out her keys.

"Hi Mom!" I said with a huge smile on my face.

But, she wasn't happy to see me. In fact, she looked surprised.

"Ralph," she tucked a few strands of her blond hair behind her ear and looked over her shoulder. She looked back at me and gave a smile that didn't really look like one at all. "Were you waiting up for me?"

Instead of answering her, I asked, "Mom, did something happen to your car?"

She shook her head and ran her fingers through my hair, "Mommy was just feeling tired from work so a friend of mine offered to drive me home."

So, it was a friend.

"Can I meet her next time?" I asked while looking up at her.

Mom quickly turned around and closed the door. "You should go to bed, Ralph. It's getting late."

I nodded, "Okay. Can I get something to eat first?"

"Of course you can."

I turned around and began to walk towards when Mom called out to me.

I turned to her and asked, "Yeah?"

She wasn't looking at me. She was still facing the door, her hands gripping the door handle. "Le-Let's keep this a secret. . . . Just between the two of us, okay?"

~ 8 ~

So, we went back to the woods the very next day. This time the sun was higher in the sky and the trees didn't look so creepy. Not that I was scared before because I wasn't! This time, we knew where we were going, sort of.

We were going back to the secret place we discovered.

It was a long walk but, we didn't really mind all that much. We were just so excited to go back! To pass time, we talked about everything that we could think of. School, superheros, new video games, TV shows that we liked, what we had for breakfast and anything else that we could think of.

As we got closer, we decided to race each other. Nix cheated. He started running before he even said go. That's just what Nix does. All the time. He always beats me, he loves to. Even if he has to cheat to do it.

He beat me of course but, I didn't care because . . . there it was. We made it!

It wasn't like we discovered the bridge to Terebithia or anything. No, it was even better! It was a treehouse! It was in a big tree and it had a lot of stairs leading up to it and on one of the big branches, was a swing. I wouldn't go on it though. It looked dangerous. You could swing over the edge or something. It wasn't like a cliff or anything but, the valley was deep enough to scare me from ever getting on that swing.

With Nix, it was a whole different story. He loved that swing. He said he felt like he was flying whenever he went on it. I didn't get it. Don't all swings make you feel that way? It didn't matter though because we found this secret place that was just for us to hang out and that was enough to make me happy.

~ 8 ~

So, that was Ralph's point of view. I hope I differentiated his tone from Phoenix's, seeing as how they are completely different personality wise yet, somewhat similar at the same time. Ralph is much sweeter and less perceptive of things. Anyway, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter!

4: Chapter 3: Todd's Story - Age 9

Now it's back to Phoenix's perspective! This will have more Phalfie moments than last chapter and development than the previous two chapters. . . . I just made their ship name lol.

Anyway please enjoy and tell me if you like how everything is going so far. The older they get, the more they get involved with their family's drama.

Chapter 3: Todd's Story - Age 9

"Phoenix?"

I didn't need the job. It was more out of boredom that I pursued it. I'll admit, I wasn't having the best of days and when I saw the flyer, I made a spontaneous decision in the heat of the moment.

It was the weirdest advertisement. In need of photographer for wedding. Who the hell would put a flyer up with that? As it turns out, the couple were in need of someone who was affordable so, they decided to put up a flyer in the art building's bulletin board. Good thing too, Grandma D had been hassling me to get a job anyway. When I told her I was going to college for photography, she almost had a heart attack. Still, she's paying for me to go there. I think for that, I could deal with a little nagging.

I met with the couple at a local café nearby campus. They weren't much older than me. They had graduated the year before and had been in a relationship for almost eight years. They were so completely and irrevocably in love with each other, it was disgusting . . . in a good way. When I showed them my portfolio, they were sold. It was a beach wedding at the end of June.

And let me tell you, it was beautiful. I'm not one for events like this but, it was truly something to see. I was a little jealous. Seeing all the happy faces. Everyone around me seemed to be glowing. I was the odd one out. I was a dull gray compared to all these vibrant colored souls.

"Phoenix? Is that you?"

I turned around upon hearing the familiar voice.

It was unmistakable. The melodic voice, the long brown hair, the hazel eyes.

"Sawyer."

The wind gave her light blue dress the flowing effect as she waltzed towards me. Her smile was absolutely dazzling. She looked a lot happier since the last time I we spoke.

"When I heard Lily say that she hired a tall, dark and handsome photographer, I had no idea it would be you." She didn't give me much time to answer before asking, "What have you been up to these past two years?"

She hadn't changed in the slightest. She was still the chatty Kathy she was in high school. Me, I was different. I try to stay away from people these days, as compared to my younger self who would have loved basking in attention.

I shrugged, telling her the college I was going to and my major.

"Photography?" Sawyer asked in disbelief, "I never thought of you as the artsy type."

I chuckled and ran a hand through my hair, "Yeah, neither did I."

"I bet Ralph wouldn't be so surprised though. He always did know you better than I ever could."

There was a tense silence that hung in the air after she spoke those words. Stifling, almost. I hadn't spoken to Ralph in two years. My only friend and I haven't spoken to him in two years. I don't even know what he was majoring in.

As if sensing the tenderness, Sawyer swiftly changed the subject and went on to talk about how she was doing. It made me remember why I dated her in high school in the first place. She was distracting and good company.

"Sawyer," I cut her off.

She looked at me with slight surprise. "Yes, Phoenix?"

I looked into her hazel eyes, not knowing if I could stomach the words that were about to come out of my mouth. My throat felt dry. Sawyer gave me a encouraging smile that gave me a push to say what was on my mind. "How . . . How is he? How is Ralfie?"

Her eyes softened upon hearing my question. She wordlessly put a hand on my shoulder in an attempt to offer comfort. "There's no reason to look so guilty. He's doing well. The tension between our family has lessened significantly. His father is learning to accept him, his brother too. There's no reason for you to feel like you left him all alone to fend for himself. He's happy, you should be too."

I nodded, though not agreement. I did a lot of stupid things back then that I can't possibly make up for.

I occupied my hands with my camera, fiddling with it without purpose. With my attention focused solely on the device, I asked, "And you? How are you, really?"

I didn't have the confidence to ask her while looking her in the eye. I hurt her too. I did more than just walk all over her.

It took awhile for her to answer. I stole a glance at her, she was looking downward. Hugging herself, she gripped her arms in a loose grip.

"I've seen better days." Sawyer said, her voice oddly detached. She looked ahead at the waves crashing onto the shore, "I don't blame you, you know. So don't blame yourself. I did some things I regret too. Let's forget high school. Those were some of the worst years of our lives, I'm sure."

She looked at me with pure determination in her hazel eyes. "In fact, let's start over!" She stuck out her hand, "Hi, my name is Sawyer. It's nice to meet you."

Knowing why she deliberately left out her last name even though she had no reason to, my face broke out into a grin. I grabbed her hand and shook it. "Hello Sawyer. I'm Phoenix, it's a pleasure."

She smiled.

For anyone who knew our back story, it would be an odd sight to see; us, rekindling our once buried friendship. But, I didn't care. Sawyer was someone who had the potential to be a good friend but, I never gave her the chance. Now, I can.

~ 9 ~

The fox and the hound

Naturally born foes

Hatred is bound

That's how the tale goes

~ 9 ~

It was hot for a Saturday morning in the middle of September.

I laid back down on the grass with my arms and legs spread out, making me look like I was trying to be a star. "Is this what dying feels like?" I asked Ralfie, who was currently tying his shoes. Or, at least, trying to.

"You're so dramatic."

I glared at him, "And you are incompetent."

A confused expression appeared on his face as he stopped fumbling with his laces and looked over to me. "What does that even mean?"

I ignored him and looked up at the clouds. There were none.

Ralfie sighed, "I don't even think you know what it means."

"Of course I do," I said, "I know everything."

Ralfie threw his head back and laughed. "No you don't," he laughed harder, "you say nonsensical things all the time, you dofus."

I couldn't stop a grin from forming on my face. I looked at Ralfie in amusement. Look at him, being all smart aleck-y. I guess the longer two people are friends, the more they become alike.

In fact; everyday since we discovered this place, at least one of us came here to play. Though usually, we both would sneak out just to come here to hang out.

When Ralfie finally stopped laughed-the goof-he gave me a confused stare and asked, "What?"

We just looked at each other for a moment, no words passing either of our lips. I knew it was my grin that was bothering him. Uncle Jaime liked to call it my secret grin. Apparently, I only do it when I know something no one else does.

"What?" Ralfie asked again, "Why are you smiling like that?"

I looked back up at the clouds and shrugged. The sky was blue and the leaves were still green. It was too beautiful of a day to be cooped up inside . . . even though inside is where the air conditioning is.

"No seriously," he egged on despite me already ending the conversation. "What's with that smile? I know that look, Nix. What's going on in that big head of yours?"

"Nothing." I said with a shrug. Beofre he could keep on pestering me, I decided to change the topic. "How's Mrs. Harris? I heard she's an old bat who gives out a lot of homework."

Ralfie shook his head. "She doesn't give out a lot of homework. She does give out reading logs though and we read a lot of books. She's a good teacher, I like her."

Of course he would. Ralfie loved to read. He reads everything from big chapter books to those science magazines his parents sunscibe to each month to toy intsructions. Now, who really reads those? And it's just like him to find the good qualitites in everybody. It's just something he did naturally and he couldn't help it. It was one of the things I really admire from him. Not like I'd ever tell him that though.

"At least she sounds better than the which I got stuck with." I sighed. My teacher was a shedevil. On the first day of school, she was an angel. Like full of sugar and spice and everything nice and all that jazz. That is until Cody Bishop and I got into an arguement and accidently spiled paint on the floor that she revealed her true nature. She became a beast in an instant and she swtiches her moods momently. She's one extreme or the other, a truly scary woman. No wonder why she's still single.

"You have Ms. Flowers, right?" Ralfie asked, "You and Sawyer are in the same class. I remember her telling me about it, she was so excited."

I shrugged once again. Yeah, it was the second year in a row that Sawyer and I were in the same class but, I wasn't really close to her. She always hung out with Jasmine and Bailey anyway, I mostly was by myself or hung out with the guys from my class. I didn't like to though, they were losers. I was lucky that Ralfie's class and mine had lunch and recess together so, me and Ralfie usually hang out then.

"I think she likes you," he said.

"I doubt that." I said, "We never really hang out." I didn't really care though, to be honest.

Ralfie sighed and looked back up at the sky. "Can you imagine if you two ended up dating and getting married? We'd be family."

I sat up, "Doubt get ahead of yourself there, Ralfie. I have no intentions of marrying your cousin so, don't get your hopes up. I don't even like her."

he just shrugged, not thinking too much into it.

"Plus," I added with a grin, "we're already family, Ralfie."

His brown eyes found mine in shock.

It was true. I already considered him to be a brother of sorts.

Ralfie broke out into a grin and he nodded his head.

"Yeah, we are."

~ 9 ~

"What's all the ruckus about, laddies?" Ralfie and I walked towards them. The crowd parted as we came closer. In the center was Marcus Field, a frail little guy, looking pretty upset.

I looked to the instigator of it all, Cody Bishop. He thought he was the best of the best and he really ticked me off. He picked on the weak to make himself seem so high and mighty when he wasn't. He's such a loser, the worst kind.

"Marcus likes Jasmine.' Bishop sneered, like it disgusted him. "He wants to get cooties."

I laughed, "What are you, five? There's no such thing as cooties."

I couldn't believe it. This was what all the fuss was about? Marcus liked a girl? Good for him. I don't see what all the hype is about. Besides, cooties were just a myth. Something the big kids tell the little kids in order to scare them. There's really no such things.

"Fine." Bishop said, puffing out his chest. "If that's what you think then, I dare you to kiss Sawyer Brun. On. The. Mouth."

This was utterly ridiculous. He couldn't really be serious. "Why?" I asked.

Bishop grinned and crossed his arms over his chest. "I double dog dare you."

Ah. I get it. He's trying to prove that he's the alpha male. That much is obvious, all the other boys were crowding us.

"What would that prove?" I asked while crossing my arms. It's not like I was scared or anything. This was all just really dumb. Kiss Sawyer? I don't even like her. I don't like anybody, actually. But, she's my friend and I wouldn't want to make her mad by doing something so stupid.

Instead of answering my questions, Bishop challenged, "I triple dog dare you."

As soon as those words came out of his mouth, the whole crowd chorused an "ooh". Ralfie looked at me, he was nervous for me.

Even though I didn't want to, I knew I had to do it now. You can't turn down a triple dog dare. It's unheard of, impossible, cannot be done. I can't back down now, backing out would make me a bigger loser than Bishop and I can't let that happen.

Oh, well. We're only nine. Sawyer will forgive me some day. She can't be mad at me forever.

"You don't have to do it" Bishop taunted, "if you're chicken."

I turned away from them and walked away. They were so dumb, the whole lot of them. The only way to shut them up was to show them up.

Sawyer was talking with her friends, Jasmine and Bailey, when I came and tapped her on the shoulder.

Her friends giggled when they saw me. They chorused a sly, "Hi Phoenix."

"Hello ladies." I greeted back with a smile. "You wouldn't mind if I stole Sawyer for a minute, would you?"

They shook their heads and ran off to the swings.

"Phoenix," Sawyer looked surprised to see me. She smiled shyly, "What are you doing here?"

I shrugged, "I really don't hope you mind but, I need to borrow something from you."

She nodded, "Okay. What do you need to borrow?"

I just swept in and pressed my lips against hers. I pulled away before she had the chance to even realize what was happening. Her eyes were as wide as saucers and her cheeks burned a cherry red color.

Not knowing what to say, I just grinned. "Thanks, I owe you one." I quickly turned around and walked back to the crowd. Every boy had their jaws dropped.

"And that's how it's done, boys." I said with my signature grin.

I strolled up to Bishop and got right up in his face. He looked so scared and shocked. "Boo." I whispered as I gently shoved his shoulder. He staggered backwards, thoroughly speechless. Good.

I liked this. I should show them up more often, I like the power it gave me.

I looked over at Marcus. "If you like Jasmine, go for it. Cooties aren't so bad."

Marcus smiled gratefully and murmured, "Thanks."

Then, I turned around and started walking away from them.

Ralfie ran to catch up to me. "I can't believe you actually kissed my cousin," he said in disbelief.

I grinned and ruffled his blond hair, "The only way to shut them up, is to show them up. Remember that Ralfie."

He nodded. His brown eyes were wide, he was still in shock.

"Plus, did you see the look on their faces? It was totally worth it!" I laughed. Their dumb expressions were so funny, it was hard not to. When Ralfie didn't join me, I looked at him and shook his shoulder, "Are you listening to me?"

The look of fear in his eyes was enough to make me turn my head. Ms. Flowers was marching up to us.

"Uh oh." I muttered as I saw steam coming out of the shedevil's ears, "I'm so busted."

~ 9 ~

And that was his I ended up here, I guess. Over a stupid dare. Ms. Flowers saw what I did and dragged me and Sawyer to the principle's office. I told them what happened, so Sawyer was off the hook. I, however, was still in deep waters.

"Mr. Devoss, what you did was extremely inappropriate."

I looked anywhere and everywhere but, Dr. Field's eyes. It's not like I hit her or anything. It was just a kiss, no big deal. But, Dr. Field didn't seem to think so.

She sighed out of frustration. I shifted my eyes to look at her. She was shaking her head. "Phoenix," she said in a soft voice, "I understand you were under peer pressure but, that is no excuse to kiss a fellow classmate."

I was about to correct her on how it wasn't because of peer pressure but, she continued.

"Someone's first kiss is supposed to mean something to them. A lot of girls dream about it. Think about it, Phoenix, you just took it without asking. Don't you think that was a mean thing to do?"

I shrugged, "Not really. I didn't take it, I borrowed it. She can have it back whenever she wants. She doesn't have to count it, I don't see what the big deal is."

Dr. Fields sighed again, giving me that 'you're too young, you don't understand' look. I hated that look. Women. Make a big deal out of everything.

Just as Dr. Fields was going to talk again, someone burst into the office. I turned around in my chair. It was a woman with long brown hair and matching brown eyes. She was pretty, I guess. But, my mom was definitely prettier.

"Dr. Fields-" The woman froze the second her eyes locked on me. Her lips were set in a thin line and her eyes were narrowed.

"Mrs. Brun, I assume?" Dr. Fields stood up and walk towards the woman.

That seemed to snap her out of her thoughts. "Yes," she said with a kind smile as she tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. She shook Dr. Field's hand and introduced herself as Diana Brun, Sawyer's mom.

Dr. Field's turned around to face me. "Phoenix, why don't you go sit outside for awhile and wait for your guardian while I talk to Mrs. Brun?"

I nodded for hopping off the chair and walking towards the door. Mrs. Brun's eyes followed me all the way to the door. I could feel her stare, it bothered me. She's probably just mad because I kissed Sawyer. Women and their extravagant romantic fantasies of first kisses.

I saw a man waiting outside. He had brown hair and a tired look in his eyes as he typed something into his phone. Upon hearing me exit the office, his hazel eyes locked onto me.

Something in the way his were observing me that left an uneasy feeling in my stomach. He opened his mouth to say something when someone called out, "Daddy!"

In an instant, a girl came and latched onto the man's leg. It was Sawyer. Now that I'm looking at them next to each other, I can see the resemblance. She got her eyes from him but, she looked more like her mom.

Upon seeing me, her face turned red and she looked away. She was probably mad at me or something. Women tend to hold grudges.

"Come on, Sawyer. Let's go." Sawyer's dad picked up her backpack and started to lead her out of the building.

"Bye Phoenix!" I heard her call out.

I didn't answer her though because the door to Dr. Field's office was swing open. Out came a pissed Mrs. Brun. Her eyes locked onto me and she sneered. "You look so much like Roman, it's disgusting."

"Oh, come now, Diana. You used to chase Roman all over the playground, you were so enamored with him."

Something inside of me felt stronger now with Grandma D right behind me. Something I didn't know was put down by Mrs. Brun.

Sawyer's mom straightened herself, a proud stance. "Victoria," she said in a cold tone.

I heard Grandma D laugh. I twisted and tilted my head to look up at her. It was as if that woman said the funniest joke. But, she didn't. In fact, just as Grandma D burst out in laughter was as quick as it ended. Her lips were set in a thin line and her eyes were as sharp as ever.

"Don't play with me, child. You are but a washed-out imitation of your mother. Do me a favor, be the obedient daughter I know you are and tell Charlene and Leroy I said hello." Grandma D said mockingly before grabbing my arm and pulling me into Dr. Field's office.

~ 9 ~

The drive up to Grandpa Randy and Grandma Libby's house seemed to be longer than all the other times. It was Christmas Eve and there was not a speck of snow on the ground. It honestly, didn't feel like Christmas at all. But, that didn't mean I wasn't excited for Grandma Libby's gingerbread cookies. She baked the best everything, from cookies to cakes. Their house was always warm with something new in the oven, making the entire house have that bakery smell.

Plus, Christmas was the only time besides my birthday when we would all get together, meaning Grandma D too. It was my favorite holiday.

The second we pulled into the driveway, I almost ran out the door. Grandma D chose to hold onto my arm at that moment. "Wait until the car stops moving, Phoenix. Honestly," she sighed, "have I thought you nothing?"

I listened to her and waited for the car to stop moving before rushing out and running up to the front door.

I knocked a whole bunch of times, hardly able to contain my excitement. Those gingerbread cookies weren't going to eat themselves.

The door open and Uncle Jaime flashed me a smile, "Hey Scamp."

I wasn't too focused on him though. I quickly said hi and snuck under his arm to go to the gingerbread cookies. Already you could smell them.

"Not so fast." Uncle Jaime laughed as he grabbed me and threw me over his shoulder.

"Hey!" I yelled, struggling to escape from his grip. I kicked and pounded on his back and wiggled around. Nothing worked.

"They're not ready yet and I already licked the spoon. You're out of luck, Scampers." He threw me down on the couch. He laughed at how mad I looked and ruffled my hair. "How cute. You're all riled up."

I crossed my arms and grumbled a "shut up".

"It's funny how childish you get when it comes to Mom's baking, especially when you normally act so mature. I sometimes forget you're only nine."

I only glared at him. He would only laugh at my answer if I gave him one. That's just what he does, Uncle Jaime was always a jokester. It made me remember why I always kept him around. We always had fun together. But lately, we've been hanging out less and less.

He sat down next to me and whispered, "But you know, I hear there are Mom's special brownies on the counter."

That was enough to make me jump up and run into the kitchen.

Grandpa Randy was helping Grandma Libby set up the table for dinner.

Grandma Libby was the first to spot me. She smiled and greeted, "Phoenix, look at you. You've at least a few inches taller since the last time I saw you." She set down the plates on the table and came over to hug me.

Now, I don't really like hugs but, this was Grandma Libby we were talking about. So of course I hugged her.

She released me and flicked my nose. "I've got something special for you."

She turned around and walked to the counter. I followed her, not taking my eyes off of the plate of brownies for a second. She served one on a plate for me and said, "Hold on. Let me serve you some ice cream with that. Go sit at the table, I won't take long."

I nodded and walked over to the table to sit down. Grandpa Randy patted my shoulder as he walked past me. "Eating dessert before dinner, you sneaky fellow."

I just grinned. "What can I say? I'm adorable."

He let out a laugh at that. "Ha, you fox! What a charmer you are."

"He gets it from his father." Grandma D came into the dining room and took a seat down next to me.

Grandpa Randy looked at her with a leveled expression before nodding his head in agreement. "Yes, you're quite right about that."

"Elizabeth," she called out to Grandma Libby, "would you mind making me tea? It was freezing out there."

Grandma Libby came in with my plate and nodded her head before setting my plate of brownie and vanilla ice cream down in front of me and heading back into the kitchen.

"So Phoenix," Grandpa Randy began, "how's school going?"

I already had a spoonful of brownie in my mouth so, I just gave him a thumbs up.

"He got sent to the principle's office the other day."

I rolled my eyes. Of course Grandma D was gonna sell me out.

"Is that so?" Grandpa Randy turned to me, his blue eyes twinkling. "What did you do?"

I swallowed my brownie before shrugging and digging my fork into the ice cream. I loved vanilla.

"He was caught kissing a girl."

Grandpa Randy let out a hardy laugh and slapped me on the back. "That's my boy!"

Grandma Victoria frowned, her sharp brown eyes giving Grandpa him a pointed stare. "Don't encourage him, Randall. It was Charlene and Kirk's granddaughter."

He just shrugged, "And?"

She stared at him in disbelief. "And?" Grandma D asked. "She's the spawn of those people. Phoenix should not be associating with the likes of them."

"Sawyer isn't so bad." I said, "She's a nice girl."

Grandma D's sharp eyes looked at me in disapproval. "I don't want you associating with that girl anymore, Phoenix. She's no good. None of those people are. The Connan family are cruel people. It's best you stay away from them."

Connan . . . like Ralfie? But, Ralfie's my best friend and he's the nicest person I know. Much nicer than me, anyway.

Right when I was about to tell grandma D how wrong she was, Grandpa Randy slammed his hand on the table. "Don't fill that child's mind with all your lies! He can do whatever he chooses. If he wants to hang around a Connan, you are no one to tell him to do otherwise."

I don't get it. What does Grandma D have against Ralfie's family? Why is she so spiteful towards them?

She rolled her eyes, "Oh, don't be so blindsided, Randall. You saw the way that woman paraded around after Roman and Sophia's death. You would think-"

"Enough, Victoria. You are in my house now and I will not have you badmouthing a family that has been nothing but kind to us. Jennifer is a good girl."

"She can't be that good if she married into that family."

Before Grandpa Randy could reply, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." Uncle Jaime called out from the other room.

There was a pause before my grandparents both composed themselves.

"Hey everyone, get in here!" Uncle Jaime called out, "There's someone I'd like for you to meet."

I grabbed my plate and stood up and walked to the living room along with everyone else. Uncle Jaime was standing there with his arm around a very pretty dark-skinned woman. She was smiling shyly, much like Ralfie did at times.

"Who's you friend?" I asked while scooping up some more ice cream.

He smiled and look at the woman. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Felicia. My girlfriend."

Girlfriend?

My jaw dropped and I heard my plate clatter on the floor. Oh no. This can't be happening. This will ruin everything!

~ 9 ~

"He proposed?"

I shook my head, "No. He told me he was thinking about it. It's the thought that scares me." I couldn't stop pacing. This was bad. She would ruin everything. Uncle Jaime was like Ralfie but, blood related. I couldn't lose him to some woman. Felicia could go find somebody else. There were plenty other guys out there. It's a pretty big world.

"Why are you so against it? Is she mean?" Ralfie asked. Heh. So naïve.

I whirled around to face him sitting next to the window. "This is serious, Ralfie, she's gonna ruin everything! That's what women do. Suddenly, he won't have time to hang out because he will be too busy being her slave. Then, all her stuff will be all over his apartment to stake her claim on him. She's planning on keeping him prisoner forever and poor Uncle Jaime, he's too blinded from the siren's song to see it!"

Ralfie just laughed at me. "You're overreacting," he said. "I think it's a good thing if he falls in love. Don't you? If he's happy, shouldn't you be happy for him? Sure, he's going to be spending less and less time with you but, you can't be so selfish all the time Nix."

Have I been selfish? That's a stupid question, of course I have. I'm always selfish. It wasn't a good trait so, I tried to be nice every once in a while. "She isn't so bad, I guess." I unwillingly admitted, "He seemed happy around her."

"See."

"And she did buy me the new Spider-Man movie for Christmas." I said-to which Ralfie rolled his eyes. "I guess I'll let Felicia be, for now."

Ralfie laughed, "You're too prideful, you jerk."

I grinned, "And you'll always be a crybaby, loser. You're point?"

Seeing Ralfie's everpresent smile I ruffled his hair. "Look at you, giving me advice and calling me names. You've grown up, Ralfie. I guess, I can't keep calling you a crybaby after all." And in afterthought, I added, "But you're still a loser."

"What about our families? They took Sawyer out of your class, you know."

I shoved my hands into my jacket's pockets and shrugged. "And? Who cares about their problems. That's their business, it doesn't involve us."

Ralfie looked down to his sneakers. "Is that really a way to think about this?"

I scoffed and slapped Ralfie on the back. "Are you doubting me, Ralfie?" I asked, playfully. I looked him in the eyes and said, "I don't care what they think or what they say. You're my friend and if I wanna hang out with you, I will."

He looked at me with his brown eyes practically shining. He nodded affirmly. I grinned. That's right. We make our own destiny.

~ 9 ~

So, now they know of their family's hatred for one another. They remain friends . . . for now but, will it hinder their friendship in the long run or make it stronger? Find out!

Lol, Phoenix's view on women. Don't worry, he's just a kid. He grow up and stop being an idiot soon enough.

P.S. I've actually had a teacher like Ms. Flowers in the eighth grade, she was my creative writing teacher I think. She was a petite, frail sweetheart until she started roaring like some kind of demon. She was only nice to her good students (me) and kept up her happy attitude when others were around. In the classroom though, she was a monster, I swear.